By Ray Hamill — It was a good night for California high school football on Thursday.
And it was a good night for St. Bernard’s.
The Crusaders traveled to Michigan to play Sacred Heart Academy in a rare matchup between the two states, and it was the visitors who came away with a thoroughly dominating 46-0 win.
“I thought we played very well,” said St. Bernard’s head coach Matt Tomlin, whose team improved to 3-0. “Last night was definitely our best game of the season so far.”
And it was so for several reasons, including the play of the defensive and offensive lines.
The return of Josh Tinkham, who missed Saturday’s win over Heritage through injury, was a big reason for that, as the standout senior teamed well with Asher Floyd and Teqkauri Achane on the defensive front.
The physicality of the D-line allows SB utilize four linebackers and allows them to make the plays.
The impressive performance by the unit was made even more so by the fact they were facing a very good Irish ground attack.
“That team was a very good rushing team and a team we played to help prepare us for Fortuna and Ferndale,” Tomlin said of Sacred Heart, which had won two straight games coming in. “I think that game will help.”
The SB offensive line was equally impressive.
“Our offensive line played very well,” the St. Bernard’s coach added. “They saw a lot of blitzes from a lot of different angles and they handled it well.”
Among the other standouts for the Crusaders were a couple of sophomores who continue to quickly establish themselves at the varsity level.
Mason Long, who is enjoying a good season at cornerback, had a big impact on the offensive side of the ball as well, throwing a touchdown pass to Henry Hinrichs from his running back position and breaking free for a 70-yard TD run late in the game after taking over at quarterback.
Big-play Cal Figas also made his presence felt, and not for the first time this season.
The outstanding sophomore, who threw a game-winning two-point pass to Hinrichs in the season opener against St. Vincent de Paul, was perfect kicking the ball, nailing all five of PATs and a 36-yard field goal.
He also had a TD catch and a two-point conversion run, and made “several big plays,” according to Tomlin.
“You can’t underestimate his kicking either,” the SB coach said.
Garrett Shanahan and Braedon Simpson each also had a TD reception in the win, while senior quarterback Trenten Hagler had one of his best games for the team, throwing for three TDs and running in for another.
“Trenten Hagler had an outstanding game,” said Tomlin, who described the senior as a great team leader. “He threw the ball, he ran the ball well.”
Kayrich Moon also had an interception for St. Bernard’s.
After the game, on Friday the SB players traveled to South Bend to tour Notre Dame University, where they will attend the ND/Michigan State game on Saturday night.
